Another wave of dust winds forecast from tomorrow

DOHA: The Meteorology Department has forecast another wave of dust winds to hit the country from tomorrow and continue until the end of this week.

Qatar, like other countries in the northern hemisphere saw the longest day of the year yesterday, which extended to about 14 hours.

Known as the summer solstice, this phenomenon occurs when the sun comes directly perpendicular to the Tropic of Cancer.

The day heralded the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and the onset of winter in the southern hemisphere.

The strong northwesterly winds are attributed to a further deepening of low pressure associated with the Indian monsoon.

“It is expected that the country will be affected by fresh to strong northwesterly wind starting on Monday until the end of the week especially on the coast during day and reducing speed during night to be moderate to fresh,” the department said in a statement yesterday.

The winds might carry dust and suspended sand which could reduce the horizontal visibility especially in open areas and highways, said the statement.

The temperature is expected to be at the normal range for this time of the year reaching 39 degrees Celsius to 43 degrees. Some scattered cloud could be seen on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The department has forecast a hot and relatively humid day, with the temperature in Doha expected to hover between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius today.